Canada's winter playgrounds entice skiing enthusiasts

While some of us savour each sunny moment by the water's side, others eagerly await the first snowfall and delight in every report of fresh powder in the mountains. For those in the latter group, the upcoming ski and snowboarding season will not disappoint.

Hills across the country promise everything from new runs for enthusiasts at all levels to record-breaking facility upgrades.

In one of the biggest developments of the season, Whistler Blackcomb has announced the December opening of its Peak 2 Peak gondola, which will link the resort's two mountains at midpoint.

The groundwork and construction of the lift has been underway since 2007 and it's hoped the project will be a great success with this year's crowd.

"We're very excited about the opening of the Peak 2 Peak gondola," says Tabetha Boot, public relations and communications specialist at Whistler Blackcomb.

"Three world records are going to be broken once it's up and running -- it will have the world's longest continuous lift system, the highest length span and the longest unsupported span for a lift, at 3.024 kilometres."

"With this gondola, we're looking to expand the guest experience, including during the summer season, when the hill remains open for hiking and mountain biking," Ms. Boot continues. "Our goal is to transition to one of the world's best resorts, year-round."

Another record will be broken when the Revelstoke Mountain Resort opens this season.

Coming in at 1,713 metres, a record in North America, the new lift-serviced vertical descent will open up as early as November.

The resort is the only one in the world to offer lift, cat and helicopter skiing from the village base.

The big three resorts in the area -- Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort -- draw skiers from near and far who hope to experience some of the region's famous so-called 'Champagne powder.' This year, all three hills are projected to open for the winter season in November.

In Ontario, there are several changes stirring for the approaching season. The province's largest resort, Blue Mountain, entertains approximately 1.5 million visitors each year.

Located about two hours from Toronto just outside Collingwood, its skiable terrain spans across 251 acres on the Niagara Escarpment.

Improvements in snow-making technology at Blue Mountain will help to stave off the effects of warm weather, allowing the hill to stay open even during intense thaws.

Off the slopes, in the residential heart of the village, phase two construction of the boutique hotel-inspired Mosaic condominium development continues and is expected to reach completion in March 2009.

In July, Horseshoe Valley Resort near Barrie, Ont., was purchased by Skyline International Development Inc., with plans to create the largest full-service, four-season destination in Canada.

Skyline is preparing a mixed-use development, including a hotel, marina, housing and retail units in Port McNicoll on neighbouring Georgian Bay and intends to bring forward the different features of both communities in order to draw domestic and foreign tourism to the area.

While Mont Tremblant in Quebec is already considered one of the country's premier winter sports destinations, plans have been announced to further develop the alpine village.

For beginner skiers and snowboarders, a modification of the water pipes and increased snow gun management will ensure deeper snow coverage on the novice Nansen run. Grander designs at Tremblant include the construction of a casino that will open its doors next summer.

A new gondola joining the Versant Sud area to the resort's Versant Soleil region will accompany the launch of the gaming facility. A new beginner's trail on Versant Soleil is slated to open during the 2009-2010 season.

Although the 2010 Winter Olympics are well over a year away, the preparations of the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) will benefit ski enthusiasts this season.

Facilities constructed for the 86 different Olympic winter sports events have been largely completed and Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in particular, has come out ahead of schedule.

"All the Olympic venues at Whistler Blackcomb have been completed," Ms. Boot says. "When the hill opens this season, people will have the chance to ski the men's and women's downhill runs."

The men's alpine skiing events will occur exclusively on the celebrated and newly contoured Dave Murray Downhill while the women's and Paralympic alpine course will commence on the Wild Card run, cross over to Lower Jimmy's Joker and Franz's runs, and eventually link up with the lower section of the Dave Murray Downhill.

Nordic and sliding events will also take place in the Callahan Valley and on Blackcomb Mountain.